Clock is ticking for Lavender's 'food heaven'

With its high ceilings and arched entrances, it looks like the Central Business District's Lau Pa Sat food centre. But Lavender Food Square caters not so much to white-collar workers but a motley crew - from backpackers of nearby hostels, to devotees who queue for Kok Kee wanton mee, to hostesses and patrons from karaoke lounges next door.

But regulars will soon have to find a new hang-out, as this food haunt near Singapore Casket is going to make way later this year for a new commercial building.

The food centre and next-door Eminent Plaza, both built in the 1980s, will be replaced by ARC 380, a 16-storey freehold development with more than 160 office and retail units, slated to be ready by 2018.

"Old-timers like me and the regular customers will miss this place," said Dr Peter Campbell, a 57-year-old Singaporean who is chairman of a financial firm in Thailand.

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square (above) will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM

- ST PHOTOS:
DESMOND LIM

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza (above) nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM

- ST PHOTOS:
DESMOND LIM

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square (above) will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square (above) will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza (above) nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM

Hawkers at Lavender Food Square (above) will be moving out soon as the food centre and Eminent Plaza nearby are going to be redeveloped. Diners said they will miss the food centre's veritable feast at affordable prices. -- ST PHOTOS:DESMOND LIM